By Marcia Harris, NIOSH (OMSHR)
Mine explosions do not occur often, but when they do, equipment, production, and most importantly, lives are lost. The current knowledge on what can initiate an explosion, how an explosion can propagate through an entry, and how to prevent an explosion will be presented. Also, the role of rock dust, how it inerts the coal dust in a propagating explosion, and the most desirable rock dust properties will be discussed. The 30 CFR 75.2 definition will be reviewed and key components discussed.
Suggestions for determining the coal dust production in longwall tailgate areas will be given and discussed. Simple inexpensive methods include trays and more complex approaches can involve dust sampling pumps. Rock dusting practices to effectively inert the coal dust production during the longwall mining process will be presented.
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